Here are the answers to a few questions that we are commonly asked. Please email or call if you have other questions!

Thanks!

DENISE and ROB

Question:Do you hunt with your dogs, or just compete with them in hunt tests and field trials?

Answer: Yes! We certainly do hunt with our dogs. Each fall the dogs get to join Rob, Tony, and the rest of "the guys" on as many hunting excursions as they can pack into the season. They mainly hunt waterfowl (ducks and geese) here in Minnesota, and they take a couple of trips to North Dakota. In the Dakotas, they do some upland hunting as well, mainly flushing pheasant and grouse.

Answer: "CERF" is an acronym for "Canine Eye Registration Foundation." It is a national registry for purebred dogs that keeps records of dogs that have passed eye examinations by a Certified Canine Opthamologist. This helps ensure that dogs are clear of inherited eye disorders, like progressive retinal atrophy, which causes blindness in dogs which are affected by it. "OFA" stands for the "Orthopedic Foundation for Animals." They study x-rays submitted by dog owners to ensure that the dog's joints are sound. Labradors, as well as other breeds, are prone to a genetic order called hip dysplasia. Both of these disorders are genetic, hereditary diseases. By selectively breeding only sound dogs, breeders are able to ensure that their pups have the best possible chances of being clear of these disorders. OVC is the Canadian counterpart of OFA, and in an accronym for Ontario Veterinary College, the teaching hospital where xrays are evaluated.

Question: Should I spay or neuter my new puppy?

Answer: There are many benefits to spaying and neutering. The risk of some types of cancer is significantly lower in spayed/neutered dogs. Males tend to mark territory less. Females do not have the hormonal fluctuations and messy heat cycles. The list of benefits goes on. However, there are also down sides to spaying/neutering. For instance, AKC will not award a championship title to an altered dog. Spayed and neutered dogs cannot compete in the show ring. The surgery is permanent, and once a dog is spayed or neutered there is never a way to continue the "line." Quite honestly, the decision to spay or neuter is a big one, but it is up to each dog owner. It is best to discuss this with your family members and / or your veterinarian.

Question: I don't hunt. Is a Labrador Retriever still a good choice for me?

Answer:I (Denise) don't hunt, either! My husband is the hunter in our family. I am simply an animal lover. If you are willing to take time with your dog, be his best friend, walk with him, throw a tennis ball or a frisbee for him, you will find that you and your Lab will do just splendidly! They truly are magnificent family dogs.

Question: How much do your puppies cost?

Answer: The cost of the puppies varies from litter to litter. Price will vary depending on the sire and dam, their accomplishments, and their pedigrees. Generally, companion pups range in price from $750 to $1000. Our puppies come with a written guarantee, are well , and are microchipped before they "go home." They come from very strong backgrounds, with pedigrees that speak for themselves. We invest much in our dogs, their training, and health clearances for the best chance at breeding healthy, sound pups.

Answer: All of the above! We have litters that lean towards field performance / obedience, as well as some that are conformation oriented. Most are performance oriented. My goal as a breeder is to produce dual purpose Labs and bridge that gap. I think Labs should look like Labs AND be able to do the work they were bred for. Our males, Rage and Captain, are both of excellent conformation. Both can work. Our female, Shooter, competes in conformation events as well. All 3 are working dogs who look good. Shooter will be bred for the first time this fall. The sire will be dual purpose... maybe Captain. We have not selected him yet.

We also have field dogs from the top lines in US and Canada. They are definitely "field style (sleeker)" vs. "English Style (blockier)." As the years go by, we will mix it up so that (hopefully) we breed the perfect dual purpose dogs!

Question:Where do you raise your puppies?

Answer: The puppies are raised in our home full-time through the age of 5 weeks, after which they are moved to our puppy play house for some of their day-time hours, where they have room to explore, play, and can begin their housebreaking behavior (they have access to outside potty areas). Specifically, they are whelped in our living room or bedroom, where we can be on hand to support and assist mom. Our dogs are share our home with us, and are treated as part of the family. Although some of them do sleep in our kennel, they all get house-time and are very much loved.

Question: Do you evaluate the temperament of your puppies?

Answer:At this time, we are using the Volhard testing method. In addition, because the pups are raised in our home, we know them all very well by the time they go home. I can tell you about each of their personalities and the hierarchy of the litter. We also do some fun stuff with retrieving (toys and birds!) before they go. We get to see a little about their working instincts that way.

Question: Would you be able to help me pick out the right pup for me?

Answer:Yes! We will need to know all about you, your plans for pup, and what you are looking for in a pup. You are also welcome to visit us any time throughout the pregnancy, whelping, and raising of the pups, call for an appointment. More information on how we match pups and families can be found on our puppy placement info page.

Question: Will you take the dog back at any time in its life if for some reason we can't keep her?

Answer: Yes. If I couldn't keep her myself, I would certainly help place her for you.

Questions: Can I call you with questions or problems I may have with the dog once I take her home?

Answer: Yes. Always. If I don't have the answer, I'll do my best to help you find it!

Question: Would it be possible to meet the dam and, if he isat your home, the sire of the litter?

Answer: Certainly. Please let us know when you would like to visit.

Question: Do you have references available?

Answer: Yes. You can visit our reference page. Please email for an extended list if you would like additional references.

Question: We are not in Minnesota. Do you ship puppies?

Answer: Yes. We ship via major air carriers. We have shipped pups all accross the country, and have had nothing but positive experiences. Cost is around $225, plus the cost of a puppy crate.